Originally named the Catherine, the ship was purchased in 1812 by the US Navy and renamed Somers. Commanded by Sailing Master Thomas C. Almy during the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, the schooner carried a crew of 30 and was armed with one 24-pounder and one 32-pounder. During the first part of the battle, Somers fired at the British ships Hunter and Queen Charlotte as they shelled the Lawrence, and later fired on smaller British ships near the close of the action. In August 1814, Somers and the Ohio were captured by the British, and she then served in the Royal Navy under the same name.